We’ve been impressed with the mental strength Alan Pardew has shown this year – when the results at Newcastle have been simply terrible.
Alan Pardew at his lowest point of the year – at Stoke?
But while other managers may have resigned, there’s been no such move from Pardew – even after an anonymous group went all out to try to get him fired a few weeks ago.
Of course with three tremendous wins in a row, against all the odds, we haven’t heard too much from the anonymous sack.pardew brigade, but just wait after our next defeat for them to be out in force again.
We always knew Alan was a confident guy, and this is what he said last night:
“I do think there is a ‘law of our land’ in the North-East.” “I’ve tried to cut through a little bit and keep a consistency with what’s going on.”
“I think we have to learn that as a squad, and I said to the squad after the Man City game that probably on social media and everything, it’s now going to be – we’ve got the best young players in the country and we’ve got a great chance of winning the cup’.”
“Yet really and truly we’ve had two great results away from home and that’s our season.” “Let’s just keep it in perspective and fight like hell against Liverpool. That’s what we intend to do.”
“I don’t know about being relaxed – I’m just very tired.” “As an experienced manager, I’ve experienced times like that before. “Not perhaps with the scale of the media criticism that I was receiving.”
“But certainly in terms of results I’ve had results like that at Charlton and West Ham, and you have to try to find a solution.”
“If you don’t believe you’re strong enough as a character to find a solution, then don’t do the job. “I’m confident I can do this job, and I was always confident I could turn it around.”
“It would certainly lift us into a position in the league that I think would be acceptable, given the outlay we’ve done and the squad we’ve had.”
“At the moment, we’re obviously under that, but a win would get us back on an even keel, but I think that’s all.”
Alan is very straight there, and yes a win against the Reds would see us in a decent position tonight.
Pardew has been under very intense pressure all year, so we are not all that surprised the man is tired.
But Alan could get some vital energy tomorrow night if he can guide Newcastle to a fourth successive win at home against Liverpool.
And that just about would cancel out the first few games of the season, when we found ourselves in the bottom three in the league.
Maybe.
We would love to see our lads win again tomorrow afternoon at home to Liverpool.
Howay The Lads!!
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40 comments so far
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:44 AM
Comment #1The problem for Pardew was that dreadful run of results, but Ashley has backed him and in doing so all but claimed there was a collective responsibility there, which I’d agree with.
Tactically he has been open to fair criticism, although I’d argue he’s lacked the players to go at sides, until now, but in terms of the way he handles himself and the pressures of the job I think he’s very good, and even when occasionally he lets himself down, you sense its more the result of his commitment and passion, and perhaps ego, but even that, he seems increasingly to be in control of.
I do like Pardew, particularly for the way he’s handled himself this season. Managing Newcastle is very demanding. That should not ever be forgotten.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:49 AM
Comment #2Jimmy
I would prefer a manager who is more adept at being consistent and having his team set up to perform reasonably well for 90 mins rather than the obligatory 30 to 45 mins we seem to consistently get under Pardew.
I would also like a manager who is pro-active rather than reactive.
Fostino
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:50 AM
Comment #3Well said Jimmy Smith. Credit where it’s due. .he still has that dressing room. Upwards and onwards.
Fostino
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:54 AM
Comment #4Expatmag
Easier said then done but I take your point. I think a realistic solution might be the hiring of a good technical coach to help out. Stone..carver etc are not exactly top class. If pardew wins tomorrow, he’s here for the season. Like it or lump it. I for one hope we win tomorrow as I want 3 points over the pool.
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:59 AM
Comment #5Yeah Expat, I’m sure there are better out there, tactically anyway, although I’m very interested in seeing how he manages this group.
I’ve often wondered how Postecoglu would do at Newcastle, for example, but it’s not just football, the job itself is multifaceted and immense and it takes a big character to pull it off.
In my time the only two who I’d say have clearly done a better job would be Robson and Keegan, and even they didn’t manage to win anything.
Dulcinera
Nov 1, 2014 at 1:59 AM
Comment #6Jimmysmith
I think that post is extremely good
The manager post at toon is very demanding, i think that this is lost on all here on this blog. I like the way pardew handles himself in interviews. Although i dont think hes “world class”and that we deserve more, i think the way he has conducted himself throughout his tenure here has been very good. It’s the unrealistic expectations of the fans that have hindered our progress.
WLtoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 2:44 AM
Comment #7Im not getting carried away with the 3 wins in a row lark.
We have played well in our last few games but 3 games does,nt make a season.
For some reason there is always something around the corner to nip our hopes in the bud.
Lets hope we turn up and give our fans something to shout about today.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 2:54 AM
Comment #8Jimmy
I have a feeling Ange would do exceptionally well because he is very forward thinking, tactically astute and not afraid to give youngsters a really good chance.
Postecoglou coaching these youngsters would be a huge asset. Imagine Sammy on one side and Aarons on the other with a fit SDJ playing a withdrawn centre forward role and Sissoko making late powerful runs from midfield. Now that would really get my mouth watering.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 3:03 AM
Comment #9Fostino
My major problem with Pardew is his fear factor of the opposition and how he tries to set up his team to counter them rather than taking the initiative and being innovative enough to play and plan to our own strengths.
I have been critical for most of this year on his inability to coach the team in the basics of the game in quality movement, pressure the opposition (hunting in packs) and defensive organisation. We dont defend from the front and our lack of movement at times is embarrassing.
It has only been since half time in the Spurs game that I have seen a vast improvement in some of these areas and I will be very interested to see how he sets his team up tonight.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 3:06 AM
Comment #10WLTOON
Attacking the opposition from the kick off would be a start and maintaining pressure on opponents would be an improvement instead of reacting to concession of possession and goals.
NOVA2967
Nov 1, 2014 at 3:11 AM
Comment #11It is funny… All the negative comments have gone for the time being. The team has played well in the last couple games but gained some lucky wins before that.
I agree with the above comments as I never shouted for his head but the team will have some struggles again this season and it will be interesting to see if people jump back onto the sack Pardew… chants
The EPL has so much talent that all teams are struggling… its totally different than before and all the past expectations are from a different era…to much money being thrown around
As for our current roster… our defense has only hung on these past few games and yet haven’t looked great but they’re trying. We can’t offer much upfront and goals are tough to come by but we are gaining confidence and winning close games. A long season awaits and we are all expecting the Sammy, Arrons, Abeid to be immense all season but I feel they will hit a small wall and that spark will need to come from somewhere else. Look how many reserve players are now starting…Our roster isn’t great but Pardew has to have some credit for this team fighting and producing.
Pardew is a fine manager and he is frustrating but they’re really isn’t much better we could get right now. He has enough in him to become a very good manager with time and its better than finding a new manger to come in for a couple seasons.
I think we lose tomorrow with a possible tie and the easier schedule after will prove tough… But look at the standings and you realize even West Ham are only two wins in front.
How I wish Ashley would pay off that 100 mill loan he has. Then we would be the best standing financial team around and the way Ashley is building the training grounds and etc… we could build a great foundation and club that can challenge. Its a shame it will take so long but its not the worst… look at scum, villa, qpr, even the Tots and etc… Everton are the only jealousy I have
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 4:11 AM
Comment #12I definitely agree with most of Nova’s view.Everybody can have his own view regarding the mgr but the way I see is that he is a passionate manager who likes to move himself and the club forward.I was shocked like others when he first appointed back in late December of 2010.After that,he started his full season with incredible results and have successful season.He always want to move the club forward and want to make himself like one of those greats,like sir Alex,Wenger etc..
We as a fan can like him or hate him.But he got great personality and ambition. I was gutted to see him head butted a player like that but I never wanted him to get sacked because he did it by mistake and emotional.I believe he didn’t bring success since 11/12 bcoz we had so many injuries and lost some important players in vital time.You can’t replace ur lost key players with what u want everytime. you can’t win every game in EPL as well.But he had some memorable wins and have great achievement
that i can’t forget.I usually imprsessed the way he setup his game plan,like spurs game, city game..
That is some kind of masterclass and being smart.
Even though we have a long season to go,I believe we and he found our feet and back in form,I won’t doubt it for a second, reminds me of last season’s November time.Even now,with better squad than last season or so,he can do better.The youngsters start to come up,some key players found their form.
we found our form at the nick of time. Todays game agt Liverpool will be played at the right time for us.I expect us to win it if not we will get a point because we have so many in form players to choose from and we are in good high confidence.Interesting to see which players will get first eleven,w/h’s exciting.
Hwtl
lesh
Nov 1, 2014 at 4:39 AM
Comment #13Just as the Pardew Out lobby’s gone quiet’s not the time to poke it with comments about his self-confidence and ability to do the job.
Typical Pardew or is stupid Bullshit Bishop’s prompted those comments!
toonincheek
Nov 1, 2014 at 5:43 AM
Comment #14I suppose it’s understandable that NUFC fans see things in black and white, but it’s all a bit crazy.
Great to see the lads playing so well, but it’s only 1½ games. Form since January overall is still relegation form, I suspect.
For months, up until the last 3 games, the doom and gloom merchants have had a field day. So many of their posts have been way over the top – exagerrated to a ridiculous extent.
Although they were in the majority on this blog, they were still only a relatively small minority of the thousands of fans who check the blog as part of their daily routine.
Anyone who came on the blog with any sort of positive, or even moderate, viewpoint was ridiculed and derided. No wonder so few bothered to post and no wonder that some long-time bloggers gave up and stopped posting.
Now, I am not one for conspiracy theories, but it was noticeable how many of the “neggers” posted under new names.
Equally, I find it a bit suspicious that so many of the “possers”, with names that are certainly new to me, started posting at about the same time as the NUFC PR machine kicked in.
IMO the last 1½ games have given AP more time.
3 weeks ago, I voted to replace AP. I’m still not convinced, but what HAS impressed me is how the lads are fighting for AP. I would have expected him to have lost the dresing room, but it seems not, so all credit to him for that.
Maybe it really was losing Cabaye that knocked us for 6 – he was the one who controlled everything in midfield. AP’s job is to get the best out of the players and he wasn’t doing that in the 2nd half of last season.
Really hoping for a win tonight, but ‘Pool will be up for it – they won’t make the mistake that ManC did.
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:15 AM
Comment #15toonincheek
Exactly u r right.I do too voted AP to be replaced couple of weeks ago.But as u say,the way he setup the team and the way the players responded really impressed me,in the last 3 games or so.That why I forced to go back and review what has happened to the club b4.Now regarding long time posters here, what if they are wrong in their view and admitted that and that’s why they dissapear in this blog?
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Comment #16I do too changed my name by the way cos I like my new name so far lol..
If u want those long time posters back,I will help u with that,but they have to be straight and honest lol..
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:41 AM
Comment #17Pards could gave gotten sacked and his replacement had us in the top six. Who knows?
But change is inevitable no matter what, and so the circumstances surrounding his management will also inevitably change, and so it would surely be inflexible and unthinking to maintain the same critical position throughout.
I reluctantltly and slowly came to accept he could and would justifiably be sacked at the end of last season. Now I think he’s done well to turn things around and looks as if he may oversee a sustained revival, or at least has earned his chance to try, and I also view Ashley a little more sympathetically, although I still think he could do far more than he does and that he is essentially exploiting the club.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:48 AM
Comment #18It is difficult not to blame people for turning on Pardew after 6 months of mediocrity and the obvious tactical limitations he has.
I think it is pretty certain that under 99% of other club chairmen, his record would have seen him sacked without a second thought.
The latest turnaround doesnt convince me yet and probably will not for some time because I find his method of tactics defeatist and fearful.
He rarely sets the team up on the front foot and tends more to address the oppositions strengths rather than prioritising his own team. That in itself shows him up to be a reactive manager with little idea in being proactive. This type of tactical policy will continue to fail and keep the fans offside with him.
I dont agree regarding the Cabaye situation. One player doesnt make a huge difference and I didnt think Cabaye was world class anyway. He was a good player but he was also instrumental in some terrible results prior to his departure. A good manager would ensure he doesnt have to rely on one player so much anyway.
I watched both of the last two games live. At half time in the Spurs game, I turned to my wife and told her that this team was equivalent to an amateur sunday park pub team and I felt Spurs were not much better. The goal after half time by Ameobi certainly flustered Spurs and we did play better but like the game against City, we conceded so much possession, it was unbelievable how we got results in both games. If we do that tonight, Liverpool will murder us.
The overrated Frenchman
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:48 AM
Comment #19Pardew out…
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 6:56 AM
Comment #20Jimmy
I dont think there is any doubt Ashley is exploiting the club to the maximum. I like his idea of bringing the youth through and Ameobi Aarons etc have great potential but what annoys me and many others is that he will sell as soon as he feels he can make money out of them and doesnt put that back into the team.
We will be back in the bad old days of Beardsley Waddle and Gascoigne being sold off to the highest bidder.
No wonder people complain about lack of ambition.
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:02 AM
Comment #21expatmag…u married ? haha.. you look like 22yr old boy though..
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:03 AM
Comment #22Anyway, back to this excellent match in prospect. No Sturridge, and Ballotelli seemingly a poor signing both aside, Liverpool’s defence is rank ordinary, even more so than last season, and our attack looking increasingly dangerous and of course it’s at St James’. This is looking more and more a legitimate ding dong contest.
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:16 AM
Comment #23jimmysmith
I have doubts on the refree.I never remember the last time we won a game under Mariner.He usually makes poor and biased decisions.I should say we r lucky to get something under Mariner.
Any thoughts on the referee ??
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:25 AM
Comment #24To be honest I view refereeing decisions as essentially swings and roundabouts, with a slight bias to the home side, and more so the senior clubs, the pen we were denied at City being a good example. Oh, and also that Phil Dowd is remarkably fat for an EPL ref.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:31 AM
Comment #25Jimmy
It has all the makings of a cracking game. Balotelli and Borini will be dangerous but in my opinion, we need to set ourselves up in a 433 format with two wingers reverting to 451 when defending.
We need also to close down Coutinho and Lalana and negate the space they have to operate in.
We should be able to get behind their defence with our pace and movement up front hopefully.
i am predicting a draw here
Go toon gooooo
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:33 AM
Comment #26Every manager whether Pardew or not will last in the club according to results.After he survived sacking now he is safe.But for me his safeness is not important.For me is important that now the squad is how I imagined a long time ago.Our team is really something different than poor period of losing games.And all of that because one substitution-Sissoko replaced by Obertan on winger position.Pardew was CLOSE but sometimes edge is so thin between bottom and top.And we need to bring back Hatem.He is the most serious competition with Cabella for our best player.We need to keep players like them.And I’m sure that Remy would stayed but Pardew was so so bad and the player must leave.Fairly enough instead of Judas like Cabaye,Ba,Enrique,Duff,Bassong.
Reyantoon
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:34 AM
Comment #27Mariner usually show unnecessary red cards and penalties.He is old head that usually bias his view to fame players and fame clubs,which is a shame infront of millions.So I won’t be surprised if he make one of them or both today.He should better retire from his post sooner than later,,U jug head!!
Jail for Ashley
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:50 AM
Comment #28Well it looks like Pardew is acknowledged in the good books and those that backed him through nine months of shite football and relegation for are feeling a little bit smug. We’re stuck with him simple as, while Mike Ashley is here this is as good as it gets, if this recent good form carries on, the team that work out the devastating cost of cup runs will assume that we will finish in the top twelve and Tiote will be sold with a sigh of relief. The shop will close for business until the summer, tickets will go on sale for a fiver and the TV money collected for another year. The show must go on.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:51 AM
Comment #29Acknowledged? ??
Back in the !
New phone syndrome
Mag52
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:52 AM
Comment #30Lesh @ 13
Spot on Lesh. I have defended AP in the cause of balance and fairness for some time now, but now the pressure has eased a bit and the largely idiotic abuse he was receiving has disappeared for the moment, I just wish for a period of time when Alan Pardew would shut the f@ck up.
Magpie Myles
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:57 AM
Comment #31Jail
It’s not a case of feeling smug, not at all. It’s more a case of wanting to see the team and manager do well. If we have turned the corner, great! That’s what I would like to see. Pardew has passion and that means a lot in my books. There’s only so much he can do before its up to Ashley to do the business!
I still think we should get a new coach with a bit more tectical knowledge which could help pards out.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 1, 2014 at 7:58 AM
Comment #32Go toon go,
If you think every player that leaves is a judas then you have a very blinkered view on matters.
Jail for Ashley
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:03 AM
Comment #33MM,
I listened to a journo briefly last night in the car and he was saying that Pardew hands are tied and neutrals think he’s doing a good job, what these neutrals fail to understand is that Pardew is fully complicit in the way Mashers does his business and has admitted he is at board level.
JAMSHA(PARDEW SLAYER)
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:13 AM
Comment #34mr paul predectd 2-1 win for liverfools
jimmysmith
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Comment #35I think Pardew very likely clearly understands and accepts the way Ashley operates and gets on with it.
It’s hard to tell to what degree beyond that he is complicit.
I think he’s basically an employee. He’s said from time to time it’s his and one or two others job to convince Ashley to spend, and so “blood out of a stone” comes to mind, beyond what has already been budgeted.
Rotonda heights
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Comment #36Ed
Not exactly mental strength needed to stop walking out on a very long and lucrative contract!!
I just hope that this time when we are on a decent run pardew doesn’t blow it again and gets too full of himself.
We have a chance now to play fast attacking football and bring on the Aaarons, Abeids, Armstrongs etc, not let them fester behind the likes of Gouffran etc and other Pardew favourites.
This is the same squad now emerging from the worst run in NUFC history and I don’t think we ever really had a poor squad, just need to play to their strengths and lose the fear.
expatmag
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:38 AM
Comment #37I wish someone would pay me 40k a week to produce constantly nmdiocre performances over a sustained period of time no matter what the constraints might be.
Go toon gooooo
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:54 AM
Comment #38Jail for Ashley
Maybe I blink too often but they surely warming the bench or play on the field without grass.Sorry about arrogance.But that is the truth.In general everybody have what he deserves.I’m sorry that I don’t think that Newcastle is a stepping stone.
mindshaft
Nov 1, 2014 at 8:59 AM
Comment #39We’ve played well for 45 mins in the EPL which was the 2nd half against Spurs – the team put out against man city was meant to give fringe and youth a run out – nobody was more surprised than pard’s that they put on a better display than the purples he rested.
Sadly they’ll be on the bench or dropped for today’s game, we’ve yet to see if his favourites can close players down and offer enough movement
I just want to see toon winning but also playing football and although I am still in the sack pard’s camp its for his style of football and tactics – I have nothing against the bloke personnaly.
Let’s see how we fare over next few games, its fine margins and although we played poorly against villa & palace we could have won those games and been on 14 points, on the flip side Leicester could easily have been a draw and we would be on 8 points
remember69
Nov 1, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Comment #40Look, whether you love or hate Pardew you have to admit he is doing what he can with the squad he has at his disposal.
Is it AP’s fault we didn’t bring in the CF & CB we all know we needed over the summer? I don’t believe any manager would refuse quality players.
By the same decree is he doing any worse than those that did spend/have massive squads like Spurs, ManU and even Man City?
Let’s give the guy his due. He did say out the outset that it would take 11 games for new players to settle in, let’s hope wins prove that point.